Why Ausmusic T-Shirt Day is about more than just the bands

In addition to offering Australia’s hipster faithful an opportunity to show off their chic music taste, there’s always a good reason to support Ausmuisc T-Shirt Day.

2018 will see the movement once again team up with Australian charity Support act, encouraging all participants in Ausmusic T-Shirt Day to make donations to the foundation, aimed at helping artists in the music community who are feeling the weight of life.

This year alone has seen the charity work alongside artists with disabilities, financial problems and those struggling with mental health.

In a statement, the team noted that in 2018 alone they had “paid the vet bill for an elderly blind musician’s companion dog…stopped a musician and his family from eviction; ensured that 2 of our much loved colleagues could be farewelled with dignity; and more.” The list, no doubt, goes on.

Speaking of the help she received from Support act, a musician named only as Julia noted how when Support act came to help “I was already experiencing mental health issues, I was in hospital at the time.

“Support act was a way that I was able to realise, OK there’s hope. Support act were a lifeline that enabled me to get better.”

The partnership comes after a tough few months for the music community,with the death of prolific session musician andPapa Vs. Prettymember Luke Liang in august just one reminder of the importance of supporting those in need.

With Triple J and the ARIA team in tow, the initiative has already reached 30% of its budget target for the year,and is calling on artists and management teams to also get involved.

Given that 2018 has seen a record number for crisis applications to the charity, there’s every reason to make a donation, orsign up to be part of a team for the day.